The journey of education often ends with a single or two degrees. But for one extraordinary man in Chennai, education is not a destination, it is the very journey of his life.

For most of us, the words "final exam" bring a sense of relief. The journey of education often ends with a single or two degrees. But for one extraordinary man in Chennai, education is not a destination, it is the very journey of his life.

Meet Professor Dr. V. N. Parthiban, a man whose story is so incredible that it reminds us of the determined, larger-than-life heroes often seen in Indian cinema. He is fondly called a 'Repository of Degrees,' a living library of knowledge.

But what fuels such an incredible journey? It all began with a simple, powerful promise to his mother.

In his very first degree, Professor Parthiban just barely passed. Seeing the marginal marks, his mother was saddened. That moment lit a fire within him. He made a vow, not just to pass, but to excel. He promised to make his mother proud by becoming a top-ranking student one day. That single promise, born from a son's love, turned into a passion that has burned brightly for over four decades. Since 1981, he hasn't stopped studying. What started as a goal to excel in one exam transformed into an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Professor Parthiban's academic achievements are staggering. He has earned more than 150 degrees and diplomas. His qualifications read like a university's course catalog:

He holds multiple Master's degrees in subjects like Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, and Law. He has an astonishing 12 M.Phil. Degrees, and is pursuing his fourth Ph.D.

The most inspiring part of his story is his unparalleled dedication. To fund his endless quest for learning, Professor Parthiban spends a jaw-dropping 90% of his salary on education. This includes university fees, books and study materials.

His daily life is a masterclass in discipline. He teaches at multiple institutes from early morning until late at night. Every spare minute between his lectures is dedicated to his own studies. While others might relax, he is buried in books.

In an interview, when asked about his journey, Professor Parthiban shared a powerful belief: "Restrictions exist only in the mind." He is living proof that when you are driven by passion, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

Even with over 150 degrees to his name, he feels his journey is far from over. His next goal? To cross the milestone of 200 degrees.

In a country where higher education is a dream for many, Professor Parthiban stands as a towering inspiration. He isn't just collecting degrees, he is honouring a promise, celebrating the joy of learning and showing the world that education can be a life's purpose. (Money Control, but headline rejigged)

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